17
Nov

12 New Things to See and Do in Orlando

With a whole new lineup of exciting attractions, entertainment and dining, there’s no better time to visit Orlando.

INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

In the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor, International Drive has seen great additions recently with exciting new retail, dining and entertainment options.

1. The newest complex is I-Drive 360, which, along with stellar dining options, has opened a trio of new attractions: The Orlando Eye (pictured), is a 400-foot-tall observation wheel providing breathtaking views of Central Florida; Madame Tussauds, the world’s most famous celebrity wax attraction, and SEA LIFE Orlando, delivering new underwater adventures. Restaurants such as the Yard House and Tin Roof: A Live Music Joint add to the experience.

2. Several new restaurants have opened on I-Drive including Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, Lafayette’s Restaurant & Bar, known for its Southern cuisine and Itta Bena, fine dining and piano club.

3. Orlando welcomes one of South Beach’s hottest dining and dance clubs with the addition of Mangos TropicalCafé. With 55,000 square feet of entertainment space, this Orlando location will offer high-energy entertainment for a wide variety of tastes.

4. Nearby International Drive, The Florida Mall takes colouring to a new level with the opening of Crayola Experience (pictured). The 70,000-square-foot attraction will offer 25 hands-on activities for kids of all ages.

5.“Restaurant Row”, on Sand Lake Road off International Drive, has an array of hot spots like Rocco’s Tacos Tequila Bar and Eddie V’s, and has just added The Whiskey, welcoming lovers of gourmet burgers, craft cocktails and rock ‘n roll fun and more than 100 brands of whiskey for the thirsty connoisseur.

THEME PARKS

6. Walt Disney World Resort is about to completely transform Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, doubling the number of entertainment, shops and dining options, including The BOATHOUSE (pictured) STK Orlando, and Morimoto Asia by celebrity Chef Morimoto.

7.LEGOLAND Florida Resort will open a new land called Heartlake City this summer. The expansion will include a horse-themed disc coaster called Mia’s Riding Adventure, an interactive show titled ‘Friends to the Rescue’ and new shops inside the Heartlake Mall.

8. Universal Orlando Resort announced a new groundbreaking attraction opening in summer 2016 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” will honour one of the most monumental figures in movie history, King Kong. Guests can explore ancient temple structures while encountering hostile natives.

9.SeaWorld Orlando will unveil MAKO, a 200-foot-tall coaster (rendering below), which will complement an entirely new realm, reminiscent of a giant underwater shipwreck. With shark theming throughout, the new venue will provide plenty of heart-pounding excitement.

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

10. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, opened in November, 2014, delivers a stellar lineup of entertainment for its second season: Broadway productions, Orlando Ballet and an array of music performances.

11.Orlando City Soccer Club Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team made its debut in 2015 with global soccer icon, Kaká. The Orlando City Soccer Club will kick off their next season in March 2016.

12. Two new restaurants are slated to join downtown Orlando’s already stellar dining line up, including: Two Chefs Seafood featuring comfort food and seafood from former chefs of Emeril’s Orlando and The Palm Restaurant; and North Quarter Tavern, a chef-driven neighbourhood tavern by the team behind downtown Orlando’s power-lunch staple, Citrus Restaurant.